Flexible Metal-Organic Framework-Based Mixed-Matrix Membranes: A New Platform for H2S Sensors

Metal-organic framework (MOF)-polymer mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) have shown great potential and superior performance in gas separations. However, their sensing application has not been fully established yet. Herein, a rare example of using flexible MOF-based MMMs as a fluorescent turn-on sensor for the detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is reported. These MOF-based MMMs are readily prepared by mixing a highly stable aluminum-based nano-MOF (Al-MIL-53-NO2) into poly(vinylidene fluoride) with high loadings up to 70%. Unlike the intrinsic fragility and poor processability of pure-MOF membranes, these MMMs exhibit desirable flexibility and processability that are more suitable for practical sensing applications. The uniform distribution of Al-MIL-53-NO2 particles combined with the permanent pores of MOFs enable these MMMs to show good water permeation flux and consequently have a full contact between the analyte and MOFs. The developed MMM sensor (70% MOF loading) thus shows a highly remarkable detection selectivity and sensitivity for H2S with an exceptionally low detection limit around 92.31 x 10(-9) M, three orders of magnitude lower than the reported powder-form MOFs. This work demonstrates that it is feasible to develop flexible luminescent MOF-based MMMs as a novel platform for chemical sensing applications.